“From Rain to Radiance: Rotary Clubs in Port Harcourt Shield Bonny Slum Pupils with Gifts of Hope”
By Rtn Precious Ahiakwo
In the quiet fishing settlement of Amariari in Finima Community, Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, over two hundred children faced a constant struggle. The rains, which fell with relentless intensity during the wet season, often turned their journey to school into a perilous ordeal. Without proper protection, these young pupils braved the downpours, their clothes soaked, their small bodies shivering from the cold. Too often, they would arrive at school drenched, only to fall ill later, missing precious days of learning. For many, the choice was between staying home and missing school or facing the elements and risking their health.
Faith Tom-Babs, the devoted founder and proprietor of Stars of the Slum Academy, knew the challenges these children faced all too well. Her school, nestled within the heart of the Amariari Fishing Settlement, was a beacon of hope for the children living in the nearby slums and remote areas. Yet, each rainy season, she watched helplessly as her pupils dwindled in number, their absences a painful reminder of their families’ struggles. “These children don’t have access to umbrellas to protect them when it rains because some of their parents can’t afford them,” she lamented. “Some of them even come to school under the rain and later fall sick.”
But on one remarkable day, the clouds that had so often brought only hardship carried with them a promise of change. The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Creek View, joined by nine other Rotary Clubs from Port Harcourt, arrived in the settlement. They came with a mission—to bring relief and renewed hope to the children of Stars of the Slum Academy.
President Best Akpotiv of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Creek View, and other nine clubs brought with them a gift that would transform the lives of these young students: 100 raincoats and 100 pairs of rain boots. As the bags were opened and the colorful rain gear was distributed, the children’s faces lit up with joy and disbelief. For the first time, they would no longer have to fear the rain. They could walk to school, their heads held high, protected from the elements, and, most importantly, stay healthy.
President Akpotiv’s voice resonated with pride and compassion as he said “As a club, we are happy that these children can now go to school with their new raincoats and rain boots and stay healthy from catching cold, fever, and other illnesses as a result of the rain.” His words were echoed by Sotonye Wilcox, President of the Rotary Club of Grand Bonny, who led the delegation of the ten Rotary Clubs. She explained that the project was a joint effort, part of Rotary’s broader Food, Medical, and Clothing (FMC+) initiative, aimed at addressing three of Rotary’s seven key areas of focus: maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, and basic education and literacy.
“This project touches three areas of Rotary’s seven key areas of focus,” Wilcox said, her voice filled with emotion. “Maternal and child health—children protected from the rains will stay healthy. Disease prevention and treatment—protection from rain will reduce the likelihood of catching cold and other illnesses. Basic education and literacy—healthy children can remain in school and learn better.”
As the rain continued to drizzle outside, Faith Tom-Babs stood with tears in her eyes, overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the Rotary Clubs. “Children in the slums and remote areas are hardly remembered for such donations and reach outs from humanitarian organizations as a result of their location,” she said, her voice breaking with gratitude. “But today, you have shown that these children are not forgotten. You have given them more than raincoats and boots; you have given them a chance—a chance to learn, to grow, and to dream without fear.”
The children, now adorned in their new raincoats and boots, waved goodbye to the Rotarians with wide smiles and hearts full of hope. They knew that the rain, once a source of dread, would no longer keep them from their education. And as the Rotarians left, the community of Amariari was left not just with gifts, but with a renewed sense of faith in the goodness of others, a belief that even in the most forgotten corners of the world, kindness could find its way.
The children walked home that day, their feet no longer sinking into the mud, their heads held high against the rain. And in their hearts, they carried the warmth of a brighter tomorrow.
The ten clubs include: the Rotary Club of Grand Bonny were Rotary Club of Bonny Island, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Creekview, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Atlantic City, Rotary Club of Choba Uniport, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Skyfield, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Medical Towers, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Orbit and Rotary Club of Port Harcourt East.